Improving the uptake of long acting reversible contraception: a review

Across the world rates of unintended pregnancy are high. Unintended pregnancy not only results in substantial costs to health services, it can lead to personal distress for women experiencing this. Whilst a large number of unintended pregnancies occur in those not using any method of contraception, a proportion occur in women using a contraceptive method incorrectly or inconsistently. Long acting reversible methods of contraception such as the IUD, IUS, contraceptive implant and contraceptive injectables are the most effective methods of contraception. In spite of this, they are under-utilized by women in developed countries. Educating women and health professionals, and dispelling myths about these methods may improve their acceptability. Furthermore, facilitating uptake by ensuring that a range of contraceptive providers are trained and able to provide to women without undue delay, particularly in the immediate post abortion and postpartum period, may also be effective strategies to improve uptake, and prevent more unintended pregnancies.